The pandemic loan was for a tire shop. Prosecutors say it helped elect a mayor

Lawrence Mayor Brian DePena was charged with wire fraud and money laundering for allegedly obtaining a $1.5 million COVID-19 small-business loan intended for his tire sales business. Prosecutors accuse DePena of using the funds instead to pay off high-interest mortgages, personal taxes, and to fund his mayoral campaign ahead of the 2021 election. The charges stem from accusations that he misappropriated government funds meant to support businesses during the pandemic.